Leeds Rhinos boss Richard Agar hails Briscoe brothers and insists they aren't trying to dupe referees

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Boss Richard Agar has questioned why Leeds Rhinos’ Briscoe brothers aren’t being awarded penalties or set restarts.

Right-wing Tom and Luke, on the left flank, have been the only outside-backs playing their specialist role in Leeds’ past two matches.

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Assessing their contribution in the 19-6 loss to Wigan Warriors two days ago, Agar said a try-saving tackle by Luke on Zak Hardaker “typified our effort” and both wingers’ carries were “brilliant”.

But he queried: “I would like to know what either of those two players has got to do to win a six-again or a penalty.”

Luke Briscoe scores Rhinos' first try of the season, against Wakefield last month. Picture by Steve Riding.Luke Briscoe scores Rhinos' first try of the season, against Wakefield last month. Picture by Steve Riding.
Luke Briscoe scores Rhinos' first try of the season, against Wakefield last month. Picture by Steve Riding.

He said: “I just feel for 18 months the referees doing their reconnaissance have decided that Tommy and Luke milk penalties, but in my book, when I am watching them, they are strong carrying the ball, shrugging people off and they are just not getting, in my opinion, the leeway some of their carries deserve.

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“Winning the battles is the way I’d describe it - they are winning battles in the middle of the field offensively and not getting their due reward because I feel referees have decided these two guys are milking it and they are not going to give them anything. I was disappointed with that.”

Agar stressed his complaint was not aimed at Thursday's referee Chris Kendall, but insisted: "I have seen that now for 18 months with Tom in particular and certainly Luke.”

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